To keep the kids fueled for the festivities, a “Championship Snack Mix” featuring a savory blend of Cheez-Its, popcorn, cheese balls, pretzels, and party mix was enjoyed by all. This custom snack was the perfect addition as the energy shifted from the court to the screen. The night wrapped up by gathering to enjoy a screening of Cars 2 –  the perfect way to wind down and celebrate a great event.

 The next Kids Night Out is slated for Saturday, May 16. Registration is open. Since many favorite camp counselors will be there to join in the fun, be sure to register soon. 

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306. 

In conversation at the Sandler Family Campus, Anzovin was asked two primary questions: How can Jewish individuals reclaim their voice on social media? And what would she say to someone struggling with fear while trying to show up authentically as Jewish? 

Anzovin’s honest response was empowering. She admitted that she still feels a flash of anger when faced with those she calls, the “modern Romans,” the ignorant and hateful commenters who mirror historical adversaries. However, she views this anger not as a burden, but as a vital tool to have when the “Romans are coming,” because they will indeed come, time and time again.  Anzovin suggests that a “healthy amount of anger” provides the momentum needed to defend Jewish identity. The key, she says, is to channel that fire into productive action: using it as fuel to dive deeper into study, learning, and teaching. “By turning the heat of antisemitism into the light of education, we ensure that our authenticity remains our strongest defense and our most radiant contribution to the world.”

Inspired by the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Anzovin brought a magnetic energy to the Tidewater community during her residency. Her daily practice of Daf Yomi has lit a fire within her—one that warmed the entire room as she spoke. With a blend of wit, charm, and an unapologetic passion for Talmudic studies, Anzovin did something remarkable: she ignited a collective desire to engage in Daf Yomi, a global cycle of studying one page of Talmud each day, completing the entire text over the course of about seven and a half years. 

Anzovin’s residency was a reminder that Jewish texts are not just history, but a living dialogue. Now, it’s Tidewater’s turn, so get ready. The community will begin its own deep dive into Daf Yomi this fall, with plans to build small cohorts learning together in anticipation of the next global cycle beginning in summer 2027.

To learn more about studying Daf Yomi, and to look for upcoming courses, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, at SLautman@ujft.org. 

To get involved with NextGen or learn more about upcoming opportunities to learn with small groups of adults, ages 22- 45, contact Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen engagement coordinator, at HYasemsky@ujft.org.

 Following the film, Roth was joined by the film’s executive producer and her daughter, Melanie Roth Gorelick, along with Laura Gross, for a conversation reflecting on the values, relationships, and questions that have shaped her photography. Together they explored how art can serve as a form of witness, inviting audiences to look closely and consider whose stories are seen and remembered.

 In conjunction with the program, a companion exhibition of Roth’s photography was on view in the Simon Family JCC’s Leon Family Gallery, featuring images of Jewish women from around the world. 

 Presented by Arts and Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the evening offered an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and connection through art.

 The residency was led by CEO Tsour Shriqui and professional medical clown Nimrod Eisenberg, who traveled from Israel to introduce local healthcare professionals, educators, and community members to the growing field of therapeutic medical clowning. Even amid the ongoing war in Israel, the pair remained committed to the visit and successfully made their way to Tidewater, bringing with them both expertise and a powerful message about resilience and healing.

 During their time in Hampton Roads, Shriqui and Eisenberg visited hospitals, care facilities, and schools. Their schedule included stops at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and the Jones and Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, as well as visits with students in the Health and Science Academies at Bayside, Maury, and Deep Creek High Schools. At each location, they demonstrated how humor, play, and human connection can reduce anxiety, build trust, and support patients and caregivers.

 “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from The Dream Doctors Project and see firsthand the joy they bring to pediatric care,” says Robin Kantor of CHKD. “Children need so much more than medicine to heal, and this experience brought an extra dose of laughter and connection to our patients and staff. We are especially thankful to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater for making this meaningful day possible.”

 Members of the broader Tidewater community gathered for a special evening program on March 24 to learn more about Dream Doctors and the global impact of medical clowning. Through interactive demonstrations and storytelling, Shriqui and Eisenberg showed how nonverbal communication, improvisation, and empathy can help patients cope with fear and uncertainty. At the same time, they spoke candidly about how the wars in Israel over the past two and a half years have shaped their work, particularly in hospitals, emergency response efforts, and trauma recovery settings.

 By the end of the residency, the impact of their visit was clear. Healthcare professionals gained new tools, students were introduced to an unexpected approach to patient care, and community members left with a deeper understanding of the healing power of humor. Eisenberg reflected that despite the packed schedule, the warmth of the Tidewater community made the experience unforgettable, and every person he met along the way left a lasting impression.

 This residency was presented as part of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, and Community Partners’ 15th Annual Israel Today Series.

For more information on upcoming Israel Today events, visit JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. 

 As families arrived, long rows of tables with rolling pins, flour, and an assortment of sweet fillings were ready for the baking prep. The air was thick with the scent of apricot, raspberry, and chocolate, inviting everyone to take part in the beloved tradition of crafting these iconic three-cornered pastries. Families gathered to roll dough and pinch corners into the signature shape before sending their trays off to the ovens. Laughter filled the room as children and adults worked side-by-side, sharing techniques and tasting the occasional stray chocolate chip.

 The day’s success relied on a dedicated network of community members. BBYO teen volunteers worked alongside adult kitchen staff, sharing the responsibility of transporting heavy trays, monitoring baking times, and resetting stations for incoming families. This multi-generational effort was the heartbeat of the event; teens offered encouragement to young bakers while adults managed the logistics of the industrial ovens. 

 Beyond the flour and dough, the celebration extended into a full Purim festival. Creative stations allowed children to design colorful masks and craft festive groggers. Adding to the excitement, Tidewater’s Shinshinim hosted a prize wheel activity with a chance to spin the wheel and win prizes ranging from trendy slap bracelets to various fidget toys and more. For those with extra energy to burn, inflatable games sparked friendly competition. Children tested their skills at the inflatable basketball toss, while others faced off in a high-speed reflex race, scrambling to touch glowing, colorful lights faster than their opponent to rack up points.

 Operation Hamantaschen remains a cherished tradition because it transcends the simple act of baking, with families leaving the JCC with boxes of warm, freshly baked treats and the lasting memory of a community united by heritage and joy.

 As one of the longest‑running Jewish film festivals in the country, the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film continues its mission of engaging Jewish and non‑Jewish audiences through world‑class cinema inspired by Jewish history, culture, and values. This year’s festival featured six films screened at various venues, including Virginia Wesleyan University, Cinema Café Kemps River, Naro Expanded Cinema, Cape Henry Collegiate, and Cinema Café Pembroke Meadows. 

 Two Israeli films anchored the festival in real‑world history and urgency. 

 The Stronghold, a historical narrative set during the Yom Kippur War, followed an Israeli army company trapped in the Sinai Desert, forcing viewers to confront the human cost of war and the moral dilemmas faced under siege. Actor Michael Aloni, known for his roles on the Netflix series Shtisel and We Were the Lucky Ones attended and was interviewed following the film by Mark Robbins, festival screening committee chair.

 The following Sunday, audiences watched The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, a documentary chronicling a harrowing, real‑life rescue mission following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, preceded by a message from the film’s director and producer, who helped set the stage for the screening.

 The festival’s signature event, the Big Saturday Night Celebration of Jewish Film, featured Tatami, a political sports thriller centered on an Iranian judo champion and her coach facing an impossible choice during an international competition. The screening, followed by a dessert reception, embodied what has become a hallmark of the festival: films that spark conversation long after the credits roll.

 This film, while featuring no explicitly Jewish content and only a short scene featuring an Israeli character, was chosen by the film screening committee because of its relevance to today’s world. It is the first film to be directed by Israeli and Iranian co-directors, and highlights the strict pressures placed on Iranian citizens by the oppressive regime. It proved especially meaningful given the real-world events that quickly followed.

 Both the Road Between Us and Tatami were attended by special guests from the Embassy of Israel. Michal Ofek, director of Cultural Affairs, was joined by Efrat Hochstetler, Counselor for Public Diplomacy, who spoke before each film about how meaningful it is to see Israeli art shared in the U.S. during such a tumultuous time, and about the universality of art.

 The festival’s narrative features offered a wide emotional and geographic range. The Ring explored the lingering echoes of the Holocaust through a father and daughter’s journey to uncover their family’s past, while For the Love of a Woman wove together romance and historical mystery across decades in Israel. In The Blond Boy from the Casbah, audiences were transported to Algiers, where memories of a vibrant Jewish community unfolded through the eyes of a filmmaker reconnecting with his childhood roots. 

 Beyond the films themselves, what set the 33rd festival apart was the collective experience of watching together. In an era when films are often consumed alone on small screens, the festival reaffirmed the power of shared storytelling and the importance of gathering in community. 

 “Thank you to our wonderful community for your enthusiastic support,” says Beth Scharlop, festival co-chair. “It’s not a festival without your attendance, conversation, and feedback. It motivates us to continually improve our programming.”

Virginia Festival of Jewish Film is presented by the Alma & Howard Laderberg Virginia Festival of Jewish Film Restricted Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation and funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach and Norfolk through grants from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission and the Norfolk Arts Commission.

For information about the festival, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater: HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137.

 Yet in the face of transition, something inspiring happened.

 Many experienced mentors chose to expand their commitment, welcoming a second student into their weekly sessions. While BeAR has traditionally followed a one-to-one model, these small reading groups have created a new kind of energy. Children are not only building literacy skills, but they are also learning alongside a peer, encouraging one another, sharing stories, and growing together.

 What could have been a setback, became an opportunity.

 Each week, caring adults continue to show up. And when they do, confidence grows. Struggling readers begin to see themselves differently. Over time, those steady, consistent moments build into progress – academically and emotionally.

 Recently, at Larrymore Elementary School two of BeAR’s valued philanthropic partners visited to see this work firsthand. They observed the connection between mentor and student and saw how their support provides high-quality books and essential school supplies, resources many children might not otherwise receive, turning generosity into opportunity.

To be part of that impact and begin a new chapter, step forward and contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org. 

 The night was a whirlwind of high-energy activity, with the ultimate glow party as kids dove into a variety of neon games with music. Between dance sets, many gathered at the crafting stations for bracelet making, creating personalized neon mementos of the evening. The constant laughter and the music’s rhythm created an unforgettable atmosphere where every child had the chance to shine, play, and express their creativity in a safe, fun-filled environment that celebrated friendship and community. 

 As the festivities ended, a cinematic finale helped wind down the evening, with Encanto on the big screen. The transition from a vibrant dance party to a cozy experience was the perfect way to end the event, especially with plenty of popcorn to go around. 

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306. 

 In the days leading up to Purim, volunteers assembled festive boxes filled with hamantaschen, the traditional triangular pastries enjoyed during the holiday, along with warm Purim greetings. The volunteers then delivered the boxes to local leaders, partner organizations, and community institutions that collaborate with and stand alongside the Jewish community across the region.

 Purim celebrates the Jewish people’s survival in ancient Persia as told in the Book of Esther, and is marked by joy, costumes, festive meals, and giving. By sharing mishloach manot throughout the community, the JCRC extends the celebration beyond its walls, offering a gesture of gratitude to the individuals and organizations that strengthen and support the local Jewish community. Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb and Commanding Officer of the Virginia Beach Third Precinct, Captain James Gordon, were among the many recipients who sent their heartfelt appreciation for being included in this initiative and for the community’s steadfast partnership. 

 In addition to receiving festive mishloach manot, all recipients were invited to join Jewish Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration on April 26 at the Sandler Family Campus. 

For information on the Jewish Community Relations Council, Community Volunteer Days, and the Tidewater Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at Ntrem@UJFT.org. 

 Purim is a holiday filled with joy, costumes, laughter, and of course, mishloach manot — gifts of food shared with friends and neighbors. JFS wanted to be certain those gifts also reached area seniors who may not have family nearby or who are unable to participate in community celebrations.

 To include as many people as possible in this effort, JFS partnered with two congregations and welcomed volunteers to its offices to assist.

During B’nai Israel’s Purim carnival, between the games and festivities, children and families created handmade cards and wrote notes to include in mishloach manot baskets. Watching little hands carefully decorate cards and write messages such as “Happy Purim” and “We are thinking of you” was a beautiful reminder of what Jewish Tidewater is all about.

 At Ohef Sholom Temple’s Purim carnival, JFS staff spoke about the meaning of tzedakah and the important ways Jewish Family Service helps the community every day. JFS staff spoke about how it supports seniors, feeds families facing food insecurity, and cares for the most vulnerable. They also shared how community members can partner with JFS — through volunteering, donating, and acts of kindness — to make a difference in someone’s life.

 At JFS’s office, volunteers assembled the baskets. Tables were filled with hamantaschen and other treats, and the room buzzed with conversation and laughter as community members packed each basket. Every package represented more than just holiday goodies — it carried warmth, kindness, and connection.

 The celebration didn’t stop there. Many dedicated volunteers helped deliver the baskets to seniors throughout Tidewater. For some recipients, the visit was just as meaningful as the treats. Smiles, stories, and even a few tears were shared at doorways and in common rooms.

 Purim reminds of the importance of community, generosity, and taking care of one another. This year, those values came to life in tangible ways. From the children who made cards, to the volunteers who packed and delivered, Jewish Tidewater ensured that no one was forgotten.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Community Services manager for Jewish Family Service.